Electric switch



y 9, 1929' c. s. CROSS 1,720,627

ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed Dec. 18, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR:

ar/51f 6 70 111 ATTOR. EY

July 9, 1929. c. s. CROSS 1,720,527

ELECTRI C SWITCH Filed Dec. 18, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR [347161 J'- flronr ame w Patented July 9, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES S. CROSS, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR, BY DIRECT AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO CIRCLE F MFG. 00., OF TRENTON, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION or NEW JERSEY.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

Application filed December 18,1924. Serial No. 756,639.

This invention relates to an improved electric switch and more particularly to switches of that type wherein the switch mechanism is operated by a single button or a single pull chain, to close or open the circuit in two successive operations thereof.

Primarily, the invention relates to socket switches, such as are used in electric incandescent lamps, though it will be apparent as this description proceeds, that certain features of the disclosure may be advantageously used in connection with switches of other types, such, for instance, as a wall or key switch.

It is one of the important objects of my present invention to provide a switch con struction wherein all parts of the switch mechanism "for making and breaking the electric circuit are compactly arranged and enclosed within a body of insulating material in such manner as to elt'ectually exclude dust, acids, or moisture and prevent their collection upon the parts of the switch mechanism and thus obviate possible deterioration of said parts or serious impairment of their operating functions.

In acconuolishing the above purpose, in one embodiment of my invention, I propose to provide a body of insulating material, which divided along a central longitudinal line into two complementary halves or sections.

The parts of the switch mechanism are first assembled as a complete unit, said body sections being provided with suitably formed and shaped recesses to receive said unit and support or retain the same in operative posi tion when the insulating body sections are assen'ihhad and secured together. In this manner, it will be understood that all parts of the switch mechanism proper are wholly contained within and protected by the sectional insulating body.

It is also one oi? the important objects of the invention to provide the parts or sections of the insulating body with means at one of their ends whereby said body sections may be easily, quickly and securely interlocked with an end wall on the threaded sleeve, which receives the threaded plu of the lamp, thereb elimii'mtiug the neces ity of using small screws or other similar fastening elements for this purpose, which frequently become loosened or detached, and sometimes cause a short circuit.

It is also another important object of the nvention to provide certain improvements in the structure and relative mounting and arrangement of the parts of the switch mechanism, to the end that such switch mechanism shall possess maximum strength and durabillty as well as simplicity and low production cost.

It is also a further object of the invention to provide improved means for easily, quickly and securely attaching one end of the pull chain to the movable part of the switch mechanism, such means enabling the chain to be readily detached when broken or when it is desired to substitute a longer or shorter chain.

In general, I also provide a switch mechanism particularly designed for use in connection with lamp sockets which will be highly serviceable and positive in its operation, and of such durability that it will satisfactorily withstand long continued and severe use.

lVith the above and other objects in view, the invention consists in the improved electric switch and in the form, construction and relative arrangement of the several parts thereof as will be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and subsequently incorporated in the subjoined claims.

In the drawings wherein I have illustrated several simple and practical embodiments of the invention and in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views,-

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the switch body removed from the enclosing shell or casing of the lamp socket.

Figure 2 is a side elevation thereof, certain of the parts being broken away.

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 33 of Figure 1, showing the switch mechanism mounted in one half or section of the insulating body,

Figure 4 is a similar view, the swi ch unit wa reamed,

Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the switch body detached from the threaded sleeve or socket member,

Figure (3 is a detail perspective view of said threaded. sleeve,

Figure 7 is an enlarged irregular horizontal section taken substantially on the line 77 of Figure 3, one of the switch body sec-- tions being partly broken away,

Figure 8 is a detail fragmentary elevation partly in section, illustrating the manner of interlocking the parts of the switch body with the threaded sleeve,

Figures 9 and it) are detail plan views of parts of the switch mechanism,

Figure 11 is a plan view showing the part illustrated in Figure assembled with an insulating collar or sleeve,

Figure 12 is a sectional view taken on the line 1L-l2 of Figure 11,

Figure 13 is a detail plan view of the movable circuit closing element,

Figure l t is an end view thereof,

Figure 15 is a plan view illustrating said circuit closing element assembled with an insulating disc,

Figure 16 is an elevationof one of the body sections of a wall switch, showing'my present improvements as adapted to a single push botton actuated switch of this type,

Figure l? is front end elevation of the modification shown in Figure 15, one of the switch body sections being indicated by dot-ted lines,

Figure 18 is a sectional view of another type of pull chain socket switch in which the separate threaded metal sleeve is omitted, and

Figure 19 is an elevation of one of the body sections of the switch shown in Figure 18 iilustrating the switch mechanism.

Referring in detail to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1 to 15 thereof, it will be noted that the insulating body of the switch which carries the operative parts of the switch mechanism is of general cylindrical form and is divided along a central longitudinal line into two complen'ientary halves or sections, generally indicated at 5 and 6 respectively. These body sections of the switch may be conveniently molded or formed from hard rubber composition material, bakelite, porcelain or any other equivalent material, having the requisite insulating qualities. The inner opposing longitudinal surfaces of the body sections 5 and 6, herein designated 7 and 8 respectively, are perfectly smooth or flat and are adapted for close contact against each other when such body sections are assembled, for a purpose which will clearly appear from the following description.

The body section 5 of the switch has a recess or pocket 9 of general circular form, opening upon the inner face 8 thereof, and

the base wall of this recess has molded thereon in concentric relation with a central boss 10 surrounding the shaft receiving bore 11,

a plurality of bevelled or inclined surfaces closed in the manner which will be herein after explained. The plate 15 at one of its ends is provided with a rigid laterally projecting arm or extension 16, which is lined by means of the screw 17 to the body section 5 of the switch. The arm 16 further has integrally formed therewith at its fixed point an obliquely inclined resiliently yieldable part 18 which is located in a similarly inclined slot or groove 19 formed in the face 8 of the body section 5 and which communicates with the countersink which is provided for the reception of the arm 16 and fastening screw 17. The part 18 projects beyond one end of the body section 5 and terminates in an angularly oft-set pressure receiving contac piece 20 with which the central circuit closing contact of the lamp plug is adapted to engage.

At the side of the recess or pocket 9 contiguous to the contact plate 1%, the surface 8 of the body section 5 is formed with a concentrically extending rabbet or groove 21 terminating at its opposite ends in the shoulders 22 and 23 respectively, said rabbet having a circumferential length somewhat in excess of The contact plate 1-1 is likewise provided with an attaching arm 2-1: extending across the rabbet 21 and into a suitable countersink in the face 8 of tie switch body sect-ion and is lined therein by means of the screw 25, said screw connecting the Contact plate 14; with a metal terminal strip 26 located in a groove or channel formed in the side face or periphery of the switch body section and to one end of which one of the circuit wires is adapted to be connected by the binding screw 27, which likewise fixes said end of the terminal piece to the body section of the switch.

The surface 8 of the section 5 is further provided, in substantially taiun'ntial relation to the pocket or recess 9 at one side thereof with the groove or channel 28 which. communicates at its outer end with a semi-cylimlrical recess 29 of somewhat greater diameter for the purpose of receiving the pull chain and the end of the guide sleeve for said chain, as will presently be described in greater detail. In this connection it is to be understood that the inner face 7 of the other switch body section 6 is provided. with mating grooves and rec similarto those shown in Figure 4 of the drawings, when the two switch body sections are assembled.

At one of their ends, each of the body sections 5 and 6 is formed with a rib 30, extending along the inner edge thereof adjacent to the flat inner face of said body section. The opposite longitudinal edges of each of these ribs are inclined along parallel lines at an an gle of substantially as indicated at 31, one of said inclined edges of each rib practically constituting a continuation of the inner fiat surface of the body section.

The switch is provided with the usual coarse threaded sheet-metal sleeve 32 to receive the correspondingly threaded plug of the lamp. This sleeve at one of its ends is provided with a wall 33 having a circumferentially continuous or unbroken section surrounding a central rectangular opening 34. This opening is of a length substantially equivalent to the length of the ribs 30 and is adapted to receive said ribs when the two body sections 5 and 6 of the switch are ar ranged in the relative positions shown in dotted lines in Figure 8 of the drawings and then moved towards each other to engage the flat surfaces 7 and 8 thereof. In such movement of the body sections, the ribs 80 enter the opening 34 and the outer inclined edges 31 thereof respectively interlock under the opposed edges of the opening 34 in the end of the metal sleeve. In this manner, there is obtained a firm, rigid unyielding connection between the sleeve and the two parts of the switch body without the use of attaching screws, or other similar fastening elements. However, in addition to this interlocking connection of the sleeve and the two body sections, I may provide said body sections adjacent to their opposite ends with registering openings extending transversely therethrough to receiw a small diameter bolt or screw 35 with the end of which a nut, indicated at 36, is adapted to be engaged. Further, I may also provide upon the inner flat face of one of the body sections a tapered ey lindrical lug 37 for engagement in a similarly tapered seat or recess 38 in the face of the other body section. It will be understood that in practice, the switch body is adapted for arrangement within an outer ornamental shell, indicated at 39, in Figure 2 of the drawings, and when so arranged, the parts or sections of the switch bodywill be firmly and securely held against separation through the interlocking connection with the sleeve 32, even though the screw or bolt 35 may become unloosened or disconnected.

Between the two parts or sections of the switch body, the switch mechanism is mounted and arranged as a unit, complete in itself, the several elements of which may be first assembled in proper cooperative relation with each other and then readily applied with the switch body sections when the latter are assembled and connected with the threaded sleeve 32. This operating unit of the switch may be described as follows A post or shaft 40 is held in fixed relation to the insulating body sections of the switch by means of key-lugs 41, projecting from opposite sides of said shaft which are slidably fitted in the key-ways 42, formed in the inner surface of the boss 10 and the wall of the socket 11. There is first assembled upon this shaft a disc 43 of insulating material which has securely attached to one side thereof, a metallic circuit closing element 44. As clearly shown in Figures 13 and 14 of the drawings, this element in its preferred form, consists of a sheet metal stamping, having a central annular portion 45 and the arms or extensions 46 integral therewith at diametrically oppo site points. Each of these arms 46 is of curvilinear form and is reversely bent upon itself to provide a plurality of independently yieldable sections 47 which extend in circumferential concentric relation to the annular por tion 45 of said element, said resiliently yieldable portions of the extensions 46 being circumferentially disposed in relatively reverse directions, clearly shown in Figure 14. As a convenient means for attaching the circuit closing element 44 to the disc 43, I provide the annular portion of said element with the bendable cars 48, which are adapted to be bent at an angle with respect to the plane of the body portion 45 of said element and engaged through apertures 49 in the disc 43, after which their terminal portions are bent upon the disc 43 as indicated in Figure 15 of the drawings. In addition to the apertures 49, the disc 43 is provided with the spaced openings 50 therein, the purpose of which will presently appear.

After the disc with the circuit closing element. is assembled upon the shaft 40, the collar or sleeve 51 of relatively smaller diameter and also of insulating material, is next assembled upon said shaft. This col-- lar carries upon one side thereof, a metal plate 52, having spaced circumferential ratchet lugs or teeth 53 struck from the edge thereof, said teeth being preferably spaced apart for a distance of 90. This disc or plate 52 is providedupon its edge at diametrically opposite points with the bendable arms 54 which are adapted to be bent at right angles to the plane of said plate for engage ment in recesses or grooves 55, in the. peripheral face of the collar 51. The extremities of these arms are bent inwardly upon themselves into engagement with the other face of said collar, as shown at 56. Vhen the collar 51 with the plate 52 thereon is assembled upon the shaft 40, the unturned extremities 56 of the arms 54 engage in the spaced openings 50 of the insulating disc 43, and thereby act as keys, locking the parts 43 and 51 together for rotation, as aunit, upon the shaft 40.

The plate 57 is nextassembled upon said shaft, said plate being provided with openings 58 circumferentially spaced 90, from each other, to cooperate with the ratchet lugs or teeth 53 on the plate 52. This'plate 57 is formed upon its edge with an arm or extension 59, having an opening 60 therein and a split indicated at 61, extending from said opening to the edge of said arm. This arm is adapted to be bent at right angles to the plane of the plate 57, and is movable in the recess or rabbet 21 formed in the body section 5 of the switch. T o the apertured split end of said arm, one end of a pull chain indica'tedat 62, composed of the customary ball links is adapted to be attached by first inserting the shank of one of the links into the openings 60 and then by. applying a com-- pressing pressure to the split 61. The plate 57 is also further provided with a central boss 63 projecting from one side thereof.

A coil spring 64: is next assembled upon the post or shaft 40, one terminal coil of said spring being engaged around the boss 63 and the end thereof fixed to the plate 57, preferably by clamping engagement of a lug 65 struck from said plate. The shaft it) at one end is provided with a reduced rectangular portion indicated at 66 for engagen'ient through a central opening in a plate or disc 67, said reduced end of the shaft being swaged or formed with a burr (38, to securely lock the plate or disc upon the end of the shaft. This disc is provided in its edge with spaced notches 69 having circular inner ends and the terminal of the other end coil of the spring 64: is adapted to be first engaged through one of these notches and then drawn over the face of the plate and engaged through an adjacent notch and bent against the opposite face of the plate. Thus, the spring end is seated in the circular inner ends of said notches and securely locked to the plate 67 against any possibility of detachment therefrom.

The pull chain 62 is adapted to be engaged through a guide sleeve 70, having a flange 71 formed on one end thereof, the other end thereof being gradually flared or enlarged to provide a smooth convex surface over which the chain is drawn. The flange 71 carries the studs 72 located at diametrically opposite points. It will be understood that at its inner end the recess 29 is suitably enlarged in diameter to receive the flange 71, and the wall of this recess in each of the body sections 5 and 6 is centrally provided with a socketor seat 73 to receive the respective lugs 72. 'In this manner, it will be understood that the guide sleeve is held against turning or rotational movement.

The body section 6 of the switch is also provided with a metai terminal piece Y4; with which the other circuit wire is connected by the binding screw 75 which fixes said terminal piece at one of its ends to said body section. As shown in Figure 2, this terminal piece extendslongitudinally in a channel or groove in the surface of the section 6 and is preferably rigid or inflexible. To the other end of said terminal piece, there is suitably attached one end of a spring strip '76, the other end of which is angularly bent as at 77, and over-lies a suitable recess formed in the end face of the switch sect-ion 6. It will be understood that when the two body sections of the switch are assembled and interlocked with the sleeve 32, as heretofore explained, the end wall 33 of said sleeve engages the end 77 of the spring str p 76 and presses the same against the end face of the switch body, thereby insuring good metallic contact, whereby the circuit through the lamp will be-closed.

After the several elements comprising the operating unit of the switch have been properly assembled, as above explained, one end of the shaft or post t0 is first inserted into the socket 11 of the body section 5 of the switch, and rigidly held'by the interlocking engagement of the keys 41 on said shaft in the key-ways 42. The other switch body sec tion 6 is recessed or cut away as shown at 78 to receive the opposite projecting end of the shaft 40 and the parts thereon. The two switch bod-y sections are then interlocked with the end of the metal sleeve 32 and the connecting screw or bolt 35 inserted. It is thus apparent that all of the operating parts composing the switch unit are wholly enclosed within and protected by the insulating body sections of the switch, furnishing a substantially dust, acid and moisture tight protecting housing for the switch operating elements. Of course, it is understood that before assembling the sections of the switch body with. the metal sleeve as just described, the pull chain 62 is engaged through the sleeve 70 and said sleeve arranged in proper position, so that it will be retained. in the mating recesses 29 of the body sections by the studsor pins 7n.

Assuming that the operating unit has been assembled with the insulating body sections of the switch and the latter enclosed in the outer ornamental shell 39, it will be understood that when the threaded plug of the lamp is screwed into the sleeve 32, the central contact of said lamp plug engages the spring contact piece 20, which is centrally located with respect to the lower end of the switch body, while the side contact of the plug formed by the threaded sleeve, acts as a conductor to close the circuit through the lamp filament, the sleeve 32, the spring contact piece 76 with which the end wall of said sleeve is engaged and the terminal piece 74, the other side of the circuit bein c e. d through the-era "at p eentaet, tit

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contact plates and 14 which are engaged by the element when in circuit closing position and hence through the screw to the other terminal piece 26.

Assuming that the circuit closing element 44 is in open position, as shown in dotted lines in Figure ofthe drawings, upon pulling the chain 62, the part 57 which is interlocked with the ratchet teeth rotated on shaft and accordingly rotation is also imparted through the insulating members 51 and 43 to said circuit closing element, until the arm 59 abuts against the shoulder 22 which limits the rotation of said parts in one direction. In this movement the spring 6 f is placed under torsional stress so that upon release of the chain 62, said spring acts to reverse the rotation of the plate 57, said plate riding over the ratchet teeth 53 against the action of spring 641 and returning to its normal position, which is limited by the engagement of the arm 59 with the other stop shoulder 23. The resilient contact arms 46 of the. circuit closing element are thus caused to hear lirmlv upon the respective contact plates 14 and 15, the ends of said arms being so inclined or disposed that they will contact sub stantially with the entire area of the surfaces of the plates 14 and 15, thereby insuring good metallic contact and high electrical conductivity. The circuit through the lamp filament is thus closed in the manner above referred to. \Vhen it is desired to extinguish the lamp, chain 62 is again pulled and a second rotation is imparted to the circuit closing element 4141:, through an arc of and during this movement of said element, the end portions of the arms -17 ride over the inclined contact plates 14 and 15 and during such movement they are compressed and considerable tension is stored up in these spring arms. Therefore, when the extremities of said arms ride oil the high ends of the plates 1s and 15, they will separate therefrom with a snap action, thus producing a sharp break and practically eliminating the formation of any are between the movable contact arm 17 and the stationary contact plate. The spring arms 47 of the circuit closing element being then engaged with the inclined surfaces 12 of the insulating body between the spaced contact plates, it will be understood that the circuit is broken and the lamp extinguished. \Vhen pull on the chain is ieleased, it is again. returned to its normal position by spring (34 while the ele meut 14 remains in its open circuit position.

The advantages of my improved switch construction as above described, are many. Thus, it will be seen that since the circuit making and breaking mechanism of the switch is a single unit, it may be interchangeably used as an entity with different sectional switch bodies. Therefore, in case the insulating body of the switch should be broken, or the switch mechanism itself damaged, it is a very easy matter to separate the two halves or sections of said body and then remove the operating mechanism of the switch as an entity from between said body sections and position the same between the sections of another switch body, or substitute another perfect switch. operating mechanism therefor, as the case may be. The services of a skilled electrician are not required, and therefore the broken socket or switch may be again rendered serviceable, at a fraction of the cost to the house-holder, which would be incurred in the purchase of a complete new switch.

Secondly, owing to the construction of the parts or sections of the insulating body and the manner of mounting the switch mechanism therebetween, the complete protection of the parts of the mechanism, even under the most adverse conditions of use, is secured, said body sections providing what is prac tically a dust, acid and moisture tight casing or housing for all parts of the mechanism. Therefore, as the several cooperating'elements themselves are of very substantial construction, it will be seen that the switch is not likely to get out of order or fail in the proper performance of its functions, thus reducing expense incident to repairs of the mechanism to a minimum. It will further be seen that in the arrangement of the several cooperating parts of the mechanism, the possibility of short circuiting is substantially precluded. Thus, the elements of the operating ratchetare completely insulated and the disc 43 carrying said circuit closing element is of such diameter as to effectually prevent the pull chain from getting into contact with said element or the stationary contact plates. Also, the interlocking connections between the parts of the switch body and the metal sleeve 32, avoiding the use of attaching screws for said sleeve, reduces the possibility of short circuiting;

I have above described my improved switch, as adapted for use in connection with a lamp receiving socket. However, shown in Figures 16 and 17 of the drawings, this mechanism may also be adapted to the push button type of switch, wherein a single push button is used to both open and close a circuit. In these figures, I have shown the insulating body of the switch consisting of the two separable sections 79 and 80 respectively, which may be of rectangular or other form, and provided with interlocking ribs, similar to those above referred to, whereby said parts may be connected with a plug receiving socket, or the wall of a. casing. However, any other means for mounting these body parts of the switch may be employed, and one side of the circuit may be permanently connected with one of the stationary contact plates, when the device is used as a wall switch, instead of providing the yieldable contact piece 'for engagement by the contact of a lamp plug as indicated in the drawings. The parts of the operating unit of the switch are substantially the same as those heretofore referred to,with the exception of the spring held ratchet plate. In this instance, theplate 81, loosely mounted on one end of the fixed shaft 82 is provided with a single opening 83 to receive any one of the series of teeth 84 on the ratchet disc. Instead of providing a spring on the post or shaft 82, the plate 81 is formed with a radially extending arm 85, which is angularly off-set, as shown in Figure 17 of the drawings, and operates in a recess provided in the opposed section of the switch body. This body section is also formed with a bore, indicated at 86, to receive the coil spring 87, one end of said bore being counterbored, as at 88, to receive the push button 89. This push button is provided with a flat longitudinally extending shank having a slot or opening 91 therein, to receive the arm 85. The end of said shank is provided with a head 92, with which one end of the spring 87 is engaged. Assuming that the circuit is open in the position of the parts, as shown in Figure 16, when the button 89 is pressed against the action of spring 87, the plate 81 is rotated on the end of post 82 and rotation is thus imparted through the circuit closing element connected with ratchet disc 84, in the manner heretofore described, so as to engage the element with the stationary contacts and close the circuit. Upon release of the pressure upon the button 89, it is returned to its normal position by spring 87, which also reverses the rotation of the plate 81 so that another of the teeth on the ratchet disc 84 is engaged through the opening 83 in said plate. Therefore, when thebutton 89 is again pushed, the circuit closing element will be moved to its circuit breaking position.

In Figures 18 and 19 of the drawings, I have shown a form of switch wherein the separate metal sleeve connected with the body sections and through which the circuit is closed, is not employed. In this case, the longitudinally divided switch body, preferably constructed of porcelain, has one-half of a longitudinally extending sleeve 93 formed with each of the body sections and the inner walls of said sleeve sections molded with properly mating coarse threads to receive the plug of the lamp or other attachment. One of the socket sections carries the switch mechanism substantially corresponding to that shown in Figure 4, while the other section is provided with a spring contact piece 9%. connected with one of the circuit terminals and having a free end portion 95 extending longitudinally along the open side of a recess 96, formed in the inner face of the sleeve section 93. Thus, when the plug is threaded into the socket, the side contact thereof will engage the terminal portion 95 of the spring contact piece and urge the same under pressure into the recesses 96, thus securing a good circuit closing contact between the parts. In this construction, I preferably use two or more connecting bolts 97, extending transversely through the body sections of the socket.

From the foregoing description, considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, it will be seen that in each of the described constructions, I provide a switch body, which, is relatively simple and may be formed or molded from the insulating material at relatively small cost, and that this switch body is provided with means enabling the operative parts of the switch mechanism to be interchangeably employed as an entity in connection therewith, while, at the same time, the parts of the mechanism are completely concealed and housed and protected against possible injury. Owing to the compact arrangement and complete enclosure of all of the parts of the mechanism, even when the insulating body of the plug is exposed. it will not be unattractive in appearance and in many cases. it will be possible to dispense with the additional exterior ornamental shell or casing for the switch body.

It is also to be noted that I provide a very simple and etlicient means for attaching the end of the pull chain to the switch operating mechanism, and. that by reason thereof, it is possible for the house-holder, at any time, to readily detach said chain. from the ratchet plate should the chain become broken or when it is desired to lengthen or shorten the chain. This may be easily done by separating the split end portions of the arm and then reattaching the chain end and again closing the parts of the arm thereon.

From the foregoing description, considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, the several described embodiments of the invention, as well as the practical advant-iges thereof, will be clearly and fully understood. lVhile I have herein shown and described several desirable constructions, it is nevertheless to be understood that the device in its several essential features, is susceptible of embodiment in still other alternative constructions, and I therefore reserve the privilege of adopting all such legitimate changes as may be fairly embodied within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

I claim 1. In combination with a standard plug ltll) llG tive rocking movement of said sections upon each other, at the said ends thereof to thereby secure said shell and the body sections against relative movement in their assembled posi tions.

2. In combination with a standard plug re ceiving shell. switch body sections provided with inner plane faces adapted for con tacting engagement with each other and each section having a projecting part on one end face adjacent to said inner face thereof, and said shell provided with complementary means for interlocking engagement with said parts on the switch body sections when said body sections are disposed in divergent relation to each other with the said ends thereof in contact and the plane faces thereof are brought into contacting engagement with each other by a relative rocking movement of said body sections whereby the shell and the body sections are retained in assembled relation against movement relative to each other.

3. In an electric switch, an insulating body for the switch mechanism consisting of two sections each having a part projecting from one end face thereof, and a standard plug re ceiving shell having an opening in its base wall, said projecting parts on the body sections being engageable through said opening only when the body sections are arranged with their opposed faces disposed in reversely inclined planes, and said sections then adapted to be moved towards each other to engage the opposed faces thereof and simultaneously interlock said parts with opposite edges of said opening to secure the shell and the body sections in assembled relation.

4. In an electric switch, a longitudinally divided insulating body for housing the circuit making and breaking mechanism, a socket member having an end wall provided with an opening therein, closed at all sides and said insulating body having means projecting from a surface thereof engageablc through said opening forco-acting interlocking engagement with the end wall of said socket member.

5. In an electric switch, complementary insulating body sections for the circuit making and breaking mechanism, a current conducting sleeve having an end wall provided with an opening closed on all sides, and each of said insulating body sections provided with a part engageable through said opening and adapted for interlocking engagement with the end wall of said sleeve to retain said insulating body sections, the circuit making and breaking mechanism and the current conducting sleeve in assembled relation.

6. In an electric switch, complementary insulating body sections for the circuit making and breaking mechanism, one of said body sections carrying a currentconductor, a current conducting sleeve having an end wall provided with an opening closed on all sides,

each of said insulating body sections having a rib on one end thereof provided with inclined side edges, said rib adapted to be engaged through the opening in the sleeve wall and one of the inclined edges of the respective ribs interlocking with one edge of said. opening to retain the insulating body sections the circuit making and breaking mechanism and said sleeve in assembled relation with each other and to maintain the end wall of said sleeve in circuit closing contact'with the conductor on the insulating body section.

7. In an electric switch, complementary i nsulating body sections for the circuit making and breaking mechanism, a current conducting sleeve having an end wall provided with an opening therein closed on all sides, and each of said body sections having projecting means on one end thereof receivable through said opening when the body sections are disposed in predetermined relative positions and adapted to interlock with the end wall of said sleeve when the body sections are moved to their final assembledv positions with the switch mechanism to thereby interlock said sleeve with the body sections of the switch.

SfIn an eleclric switch, a plurality of insulating body sections each having a projection at one end thereof, said body sections i:

adapted to enclose the circuit making and breaking mechanism, and a current conducting sleeve having an end wall provided with. a rectangular opening therein closed on all sides to receive said projecting parts of the switch body sections when said sections are disposed in one predetermined position and adapted. to interlock with the wall of said sleeve when said body sect-ions are moved. to their final assembled positions to thereby detachably connect said current conducting sleeve with said body sections.

9. In an electric switch, an insulating body for the switch mechanism consisting of two sect-ions having inner plane faces for contacting engagement when the sections are assembled and each provided with a part projecting from one end face thereof and extending in parallel relation to said inner face and contiguous thereto, and a standard plug receiving shell having an opening in its base wall, said projecting part on the body sections being engageable through said opening only when the body sections are arranged with their inner plane faces disposed in reversely inclined planes and in contact ing engagement adjacent to said projecting parts, and said sections then adapted to be moved relative to each other to dispose the inner faces thereof in parallel contacting engagement and sinmltaneously interlock said parts with the opposite edges of said opening to thereby secure the shell and the body sections in assembled relation.

10. In an electric switch, a screw shell having'an end provided with an opening closed at all sides, and a mnlti-part insulating body having means for engaging in said opening to prevent movement of the body in all directions with reference to the shell when assembled therewith.

11. In an electric switch, a screw shell having an end provided with an opening closed at all sides, and an insulating body longitudinally divided in two parts and each part having complemental projections adapted to enter and interlock with the edges of said opening as the said parts are moved into as sembled relation to lock the shell and body against longitudinal or sidewise separation.

12. In an electric switch, a screw shell having an end provided with an opening closed at all sides, and an insulating body longitudinally divided in two parts and each part having complemental projections adapted to enterand interlock with the edges of said opening as the said parts are moved into assembled relation to lock the shell and body against longitudinal or sidewise separation, and a fastenin for securing the upper ends of the sections together.

13. In an electric switch, a screw shell havingan end pr vided with an opening closed at all sides, and a mnlti-part insulating body having meeting faces parallel to the longitudinal. axis of the screw shell, and means on each part of said. insulating body for interlockingly engaging the sides of said opening by an initial movement in the direction of the axis of the opening.

14. In an electric switch, a screw shell having an end provided with an opening closed at all sides, and a multi-part insulating body having meeting faces parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw shell, and means on each part of said insulating body for interlockingly engaging the sides of said opening by a compound movement, a part of which is parallel to the axis of the opening and the remaining part of which is atan angle to the axis of said opening.

15. In an] electric switch, an' insulating body comprising two complemental sections divided longitudinally and each having a projection at one end thereof provided with a dove-tail side face, and a screw shell having an end provided with an opening closed at all sides and interlockingly receiving the projections by an. initial move nent in the direction of the axis of the opening and a final movement of the parts toward the inner edges thereof.

16. In an electric switch, an insulating body comprising two complemental sections divided longitudinally and recessed at their inner meeting faces to provide a switch chamber, projections carried by one end of said members, a screw shell having an end provided with an opening closed at all sides and adapted to receive said projections while their meeting faces are in" divergent relation, a switch mechanism adapted to be placed in one of said recesses before the insulating sections are placed in said divergent relation and to be housed thereby when the sections are brought together in meeting relation, and means for connecting the ends of the sections opposite the screw shell.

17. In an electric. switch, an insulating body comprising two complemental sections divided longitudinally and each having a projection at one end, said project-ion being provided with a dove-tail face parallel with the inner face of the section by which it is carried, and a screw shell having an opening for receiving the said projections.

18. In an electric switch, an insulating body comprising a pair of complemental sections divided longitudinally and each having a projection thereon and provided with an outer dove-tail face parallel with the line of division between the sections, and the said projections being also provided with an inclined clearance face at their inner adjacent edges. and a screw shell member having an opening closed at all sides for receiving the projections, and means for holding the upper ends of said sections together.

19. In an electric switch device, a pair of insulating sections having their meeting faces arranged in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the complete switch device and provided with interior recesses forming a switch mechanism housing, projections on said sections having inclined outer faces and inclined inner faces, a screw shell having an opening closed at all sides for receiving said projections, a switch mechanism carried by one of the sections and covered by the other, and means for operating said switch mechanism. V

20. An electric switch device of the class described, a screw shell member having an opening, a pair of longitudinally divided insulation sections having project-ions for engaging in said opening to lock the sections and shell together, and said sections being recessed at their inner faces to provide a switch mechanism housing, switch contacts carried by one of said sections, a center plng contact electrically connected with said switch contacts, a rotary switch mechanism for cooperating with said switch contacts also carried by the section to which the said contacts are connected, a line wire terminal carried by the said section carrying the switch contacts and electrically connected therewith, and a line wire terminal carried by the other of said sections and contacting with the screw shell.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention, I have signed my name hereto.

CHARLES S. CROSS. 

